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Geneticist

Geneticists study how genes function to produce cells and organisms, and how hereditary traits and mutations are present in populations and passed through generations. In addition, they discover and use DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequence variations to conduct forensic, wildlife, evolutionary, agricultural and medical research.

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

Interest in synthesizing information to study the effects and control of human, plant and animal pathogens and toxins

OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working with instruments to conduct clinical and laboratory studies to test, evaluate and screen drugs and pharmaceuticals, and to conduct molecular and biochemical studies and experiments into genetic expression, gene manipulation and recombinant DNA technology

DIRECTIVE

Interest in consulting to advise on issues related to the development of new practices and products at the cellular and molecular level; may supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists

Reading Interest Codes

A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.

Genetics is becoming used in all fields of biology and geneticists often work with scientists in other fields. Research geneticists may specialize in a wide range of areas including:

biomedical genetics - the study of normal and abnormal genetic factors at the level of chromosomes, biochemistry or molecules for the diagnosis and treatment of heritable genetic diseases

developmental genetics - the study of the genetic control of cells and the processes by which they form multi-cellular organisms (as part of normal development or abnormally, as in cancer or neurodegenerative disease)

molecular genetics - the study of the basis of gene activity, transmission and mutation, including the manipulation of genes and their transfer among species

population genetics - the study of natural variation and the processes of inheritance and evolution in populations of organisms, for example, tracing human histories and genealogies

agricultural genetics - the study of disease resistance in plants and animals and other genetic improvements in crops and stocks

phylogenetic research - taxonomists solve species identification and relationship problems

forensic genetics - the use of genetic differences in human and other species for identification.

For information about geneticists involved in developing and improving industrial processes (for example, for the production of drugs, antibiotics or vaccines), see the Biotechnologist occupational profile.

Medical geneticists (technicians, genetic counsellors, and physicians) study the causes, prevention and treatment of human genetic conditions and are directly involved in patient care. Under the supervision of medical geneticists, genetic counsellors obtain family histories and provide advice regarding risks to unborn children of couples with a familial history of genetic disease.

Other geneticists may be involved in field biology or laboratory investigations with microbes, plants or animals. This usually involves working at a laboratory bench, but also can be based on field work collections, mathematical models or computer simulations.

Working Conditions

Updated Mar 18, 2016

Geneticists usually work in a laboratory environment. They must observe safety procedures when working with hazardous substances such as chemicals and radioactive materials. Those who use recombinant DNA conduct experiments in controlled environments. Evening and weekend work may be required to complete experiments and tests.

Medical geneticists are physicians who work in university medical centres or hospitals.

Strength Required
Lift up to 5 kg

Skills & Abilities

Updated Mar 18, 2016

Geneticists need the following characteristics:

an interest in biology

curiosity and imagination

persistence and patience

problem solving skills

an aptitude for mathematics

strong attention to detail

good communication skills

manual dexterity for performing experiments

willingness to read research publications to keep up with new developments and discoveries in a rapidly advancing field.

Some geneticists must be willing to work with animals (invertebrate or vertebrate).

All geneticists should enjoy synthesizing information, finding innovative solutions to problems, using sophisticated instruments and equipment to perform tasks requiring precision, and supervising the work of others.

Educational Requirements

Updated Mar 18, 2016

Geneticists must have an advanced degree in genetics or a related field, such as biology, microbiology or biochemistry. Most geneticists begin their studies in a 4-year bachelor of science (B.Sc.) degree program in a biological science, then go on to complete a master's (M.Sc.) or doctoral (PhD) degree in genetics or a medical doctor (M.D.) degree, followed by specialty training and further study in a genetics program.

Graduates of B.Sc. degree programs in genetics may work as genetics technicians. Graduates of M.Sc. degree programs may work in high level technical positions. Genetic counsellors need a master's degree, specifically in genetic counselling. A PhD is required to work as an independent researcher or teach at the university level.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

What You Need

Membership requires: (1) at least 3 years of acceptable work experience, (2) a bachelor's degree, master's degree or doctoral degree in biological sciences from an approved educational institute, or equivalent and (3) 2 letters from professional referees (preferably, at least 1 from a Professional Biologist). For official, detailed information about registration requirements, visit the ASPB website or contact the ASPB.

Working in Alberta

Biologists who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered biologists in the 2 jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory? and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).

To find more information on the certification process for internationally educated biologists, see Biologist Registration Process on the AlbertaCanada.com website.

Geneticists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2121: Biologists and Related Scientists. In Alberta, 80% of Biologists and Related Scientists work in the following industries:

Swipe left and right to view all data.Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

B: Good Reliability

Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Updated Mar 16, 2016. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.